Air-Fried Paella: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Dish

Paella is a Spanish rice dish that traditionally includes saffron-infused rice, seafood, meat, or vegetables. While classic paella is cooked in a large, shallow pan over an open flame, it is possible to make a simplified version in an air fryer. Air fryers reduce cooking time, require less oil, and ensure even cooking. To make paella in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to 350°F, prepare a sofrito base of olive oil, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, add rice and stock, and then fold in your choice of seafood, meat, or vegetables. The dish is cooked for 15-20 minutes, and you can increase the temperature to 400°F at the end to create a crispy layer at the bottom, known as socarrat.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since their introduction in 2010, and for good reason. They are versatile kitchen appliances that can cook a wide range of dishes, from paella to pizza, and even bake sweets. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy and browned textures similar to deep-fried foods but with less oil, resulting in healthier meals.

When choosing the right air fryer, you will encounter a variety of models and types, each with unique features and purposes. Here are some factors to consider to help you make an informed decision:

Type of Air Fryer

Air fryers can be categorized into several types, including single basket, double basket, mini, and oven-style air fryers. Single basket air fryers are ideal for individuals or smaller households, offering a compact option for air-frying foods. Double basket air fryers are perfect for larger families or those who want to cook multiple items simultaneously. Mini air fryers are designed for small portions and are often more affordable. Oven-style air fryers, sometimes called toaster oven-air fryer combos, offer additional smart cooking features and a larger capacity, making them suitable for those seeking more advanced functionality.

Capacity

Consider the size of your household and the typical portion sizes you require. Air fryers vary in capacity, with some accommodating a 12" pizza or a 12-lb turkey. If you plan to cook for a larger group or prepare bigger batches, opt for a model with a larger capacity.

Cooking Functions

Different air fryer models offer various cooking functions and settings. Some basic models may only have an air-fry function, while others provide a range of options like air-roast, bake, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and pizza settings. Consider the types of dishes you plan to prepare and choose a model with the appropriate cooking functions to suit your needs.

Performance and Ease of Use

Look for an air fryer with intuitive controls that are easy to operate. Check reviews to understand how quiet the air fryer is during operation and how simple it is to clean. You may also want to consider models with smart cooking features, which can provide added convenience and precision in cooking.

Price

Air fryers vary in price, and you can expect to pay more for advanced features, larger capacities, or specific brand names. Basic models can be found for under $100, while more sophisticated air fryers with additional functions and capabilities will likely cost more.

By considering these factors and reading reviews from reputable sources, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right air fryer for your needs.

Ingredients and preparation

While paella is traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame, you can create a simplified version in an air fryer. This method is efficient, cooks the ingredients evenly, and is healthier as it requires less oil.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes
• Rice (Arborio or Bomba)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Saffron threads
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Seafood, chicken, and chorizo, or vegetables of your choice
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley

Preparation:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• In a pan compatible with your air fryer, heat a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add rice to the pan, stirring to coat it well with the mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
• Prepare your chicken broth or stock by infusing it with saffron and paprika. It can be hot or warm.
• Pour the stock into the pan and gently fold in your choice of seafood, chicken, chorizo, or vegetables. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
• Place the pan into the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for the paella to expand as it cooks.
• Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• For a crispy layer at the bottom (socarrat), increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Once the paella is done, add frozen peas and let them steam for a few minutes.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the paella

While paella is traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame, you can cook a simplified version in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking paella in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). It's important to ensure your air fryer is at the right temperature for even cooking. Use a pan or dish that's compatible with your air fryer, and make sure it fits into your air fryer basket with enough space for the paella to expand as it cooks.

For the sofrito base, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the pan. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 2-3 minutes). You can also add garlic at this stage for extra flavour. Then, stir in diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This sofrito is the flavour foundation of your paella.

Next, add the rice. Arborio or Bomba rice is ideal as it absorbs flavours well without becoming mushy. Stir in 1 cup of rice, ensuring it's well-coated with the sofrito. Cook for 1 minute before adding the stock. The stock should be warm and infused with saffron for colour and flavour, and paprika. You can also add chicken broth, saffron or turmeric, and bay leaves.

Now it's time to incorporate the seafood, chicken, or chorizo. For a classic Spanish seafood paella, use a mix of shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari. If you're making a chicken and chorizo paella, add the meat at this stage. Gently fold in the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution so that everything cooks uniformly.

Place the pan in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the seafood or meat is cooked through. You may need to cook for up to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the quantity of ingredients. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

For the coveted crispy bottom, or socarrat, increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This step is key to achieving the perfect paella texture.

Once the paella is done, add frozen peas to the top and let them steam for a few minutes. Serve your paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Tips and Variations

• Paella can be made in advance and reheated. Simply allow it to cool, cover, and store it in the refrigerator.
• You can also freeze paella. Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Paella is often served with crusty bread, a side salad, grilled vegetables, or aioli (garlic mayonnaise).
• For a vegetarian paella, skip the meat and use colourful vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and peas.

Making socarrat

Socarrat, derived from the word "socarrar" meaning "to burn" or "to scorch" in Spanish, is an essential part of a traditional paella. It is the crispy, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan.

To make socarrat in an air fryer, you must first ensure that you have the right ratio of liquid to rice. Too much liquid will make the rice soggy, while too little will leave it undercooked. You should also avoid stirring the rice once you have added the stock, as this will prevent the formation of the crispy bottom layer.

When making paella in an air fryer, cook it at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the seafood/meat is cooked through. Midway through the cooking process, check to make sure everything is cooking evenly.

For the socarrat, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You will know the socarrat is ready when you can see a crispy, browned layer of rice at the bottom of the pan.

Storing and reheating

To reheat paella in the oven, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and heat at a low temperature (around 250-300°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. If you're reheating a small portion, a microwave can also work well. Simply place the paella in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's heated through.

For those who prefer their paella with a crispy bottom, reheating in an air fryer can be a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, place the paella in an air fryer-safe dish, and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. If you want to achieve that coveted crispy bottom, increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

If you want to enjoy your paella at a later date, you can also freeze it. Allow the paella to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator, and then reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions